The UK's most dog-friendly theme parks

When it comes to vacationing around the UK and visiting all the top tourist spots our isle has to offer, you’ll want to do it with your family. But that means your entire family, including those with wagging tails and four paws.

But all too often the fun is had solely by those who stand on two legs, whilst Fido and friends are left at home watching longingly out of the window for the car to pull into the drive. Well, no more! We’ve put together a little selection of dog-friendly theme parks in the UK so that man’s best friend can have a terrier-ific day out too.

Once you’ve found which dog-friendly theme park you want to visit, stay in one of our quality dog-friendly cottages all over the UK.

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The Milky Way Adventure Park, North Devon

Not only was The Milky Way the number one spot on TripAdvisor’s Best UK Amusement Parks list in 2022, but this rural, family-run theme park also goes the extra mile for its furry visitors too. Located near the famed village of Clovelly in Devon, just 5 miles from Cornwall’s border, your four-pawed friend will be able to explore most of the park with you.

Hop aboard the Milky Way Railway and soak up views of the North Devon coast as you ride nearly 200 metres above sea level. Next, take on the 3,000-square-metre maze and let your woofer’s superior sense of smell guide you to the centre and back out again. As you’d expect, dogs are not permitted on the rides or in any of the interior areas, and to avoid your little cherub being snatched up in predatory talons, dogs are not allowed in the birds of prey centre.

Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight

Photo credits:@theadventuresofanayaandivor (left) and @thebeccajohns (right)

The Isle of Wight is a great dog-friendly destination anyway, but why not continue the island adventures with a visit to Blackgang Chine: Land of Imagination with your pooch in tow? A perfect place to take the kids, this theme park is packed full of rides (some wet, some dry) and classic attractions (house of mirrors, crooked house), as well as the Land of Imagination, where the children and your dogs can pretend to be cowboys, mermaids, fairies and more.

A couple of pieces of visitor advice include stopping by on a dry day, as if it is raining, you still won’t be permitted into the cafe and you may get soggy sandwiches sitting outside. Also, there are loud noises and specialist lighting during certain events that some dogs may find distressing. Check the events page when planning your visit to this great Isle of Wight attraction.

Brean Theme Park, Somerset

Photo credits:@breanthemepark (left) and @robg60 (right)

If you’re looking for a great day out with your dog, then you’re in luck when visiting Brean Theme Park. As with most theme parks, your hound cannot use any of the inside areas but there are some lovely outdoor spaces to sit or explore and there are plenty of water bowls on offer for thirsty pups. You’ll need to keep your dog on a short lead, but they’ll relish the strokes and pats they receive from endorphin-filled family members as come off any of the 40 rides, such as log flumes, dodgems and an incredible ghost train.

The really good thing about this park in Somerset is that it offers low-cost entry and then you pay when you want to go on a ride. This is perfect for those who want to be involved in the day but are less likely to join in on the rides. The kids can get a day-pass wristband or ‘pay as you go’ tokens and you can sit happily with the dog, safe in the knowledge it’s not costing you the earth to be there.

Flambards, Cornwall

Make the best day of the week a Flambards day. Located down near the Lizard, England’s most southerly point, this day out in Cornwall is sure to get the hairs on the back of your neck (and your dog’s tail) standing up. There are plenty of adrenaline-fuelled rides as well as immersive indoor attractions (for those not holding the lead anyway!)

Those with well-behaved dogs are welcome to stroll all the outdoor areas and if you’re standing in the right place, you might even benefit from a light spray from the Colorado River Log Flume on a warm day.

Flamingoland, North Yorkshire

Photo credit: @mummyandsonwholovetoexplore

When you think of Yorkshire wildlife, it won’t be flamingos that spring to mind. Yet, this hasn’t stopped Flamingoland from thriving and providing an exciting day for family members of all ages and levels of furriness. When visiting, those of you not looking after Fido will be able to test yourselves on high-adrenaline coasters such as Sik and Mumbo Jumbo, as well as learn about conservation or become a junior ranger at the award-winning zoo. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed in the zoo, Children’s Planet or Splish Splosh.

However, the rest of the park is free to roam, as long as the dog is on a lead. There are swashbuckling live shows throughout the day that are dog friendly (we suppose the kids might like them too!), and there are meet and greets with some of your favourite literary characters (currently Peter Rabbit and friends).

Oakwood Theme Park, Pembrokeshire

When you head to Oakwood in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, you’ll be heading to Wales’ biggest theme park full of adrenaline-fuelled rides, seasonal events and its very own wooden rollercoaster! Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed into the park itself, however, that doesn’t mean that you have to leave Rover at the holiday home all day.

Oakwood kindly offer free holding kennels by the entrance to the park. These can either be arranged as you arrive or you can reserve a kennel by calling 01834 815170. The park recommends that you bring a bed and a blanket for your pup, as well as a familiar toy and a bowl with some water.

The BIG Sheep, North Devon

Photo credit: @ate_a_croissant

To have a great day out in North Devon, ewe must make time to visit the BIG Sheep! This is a family-friendly attraction with rides, animals, indoor play and live shows throughout the day. Due to the territorial border collies on site (who help to control the sheep) and the unvaccinated pups and newborn animals, dogs are not allowed into the main sections of the park.

However, there are free kennels just outside of the entrance which can be arranged as you enter the park or you can pre-book with a phone call after tickets have been purchased. So there’s no need to leave your four-legged friend at home whilst you enjoy your day at one of North Devon’s top days out.

Unleashed at Wrenbury Hall Woods, Cheshire

Photo credits: @barney.the.chowski

Now, Unleashed may not strictly be a theme park but it was just too good to leave off the list, and as far as your dogs are concerned, it’s more fun than a theme park. Set in 3 acres of glorious Cheshire countryside amongst luscious woodland and a sparkling pond, Unleashed is what is known as an off-lead adventure park for dogs! This secure park is the perfect place to bring your pooch to sniff, swim and socialise, and you can either hire it out privately or join a group session and meet other pups.

There are lots of things to do here at Wrenbury Hall Woods including plenty of woodlands to explore – there’s a 5’ fence surrounding the park so there’s no fear of your dog getting lost. The lake is up to 2m deep and is the perfect place for a dip. There’s also a fun, adventure area with a tunnel, balance beams and jumps to ensure that your dog gets a proper workout. There’s plenty of drinking water, compostable poo bins and even a dog wash area if they get carried away in the mud!

Dog-friendly holidays in the UK

If your pup is chomping at the bit to go to one of these dog-friendly theme parks, then you might also enjoy reading about the many other dog-friendly days out across the UK.  After this, you can search through our full collection of dog-friendly cottages and begin planning your family adventure with your four-legged best pal.